You probably know Medicare as insurance for seniors. If only it were that simple! Like most insurance, it can be confusing and easily become overwhelming. Medicare has four parts, A-D, which are also known as the Medicare Alphabet. Instead of getting lost in Medicare’s alphabet soup, you can navigate your insurance options with confidence.

Medicare Alphabet – Part A

Medicare Part A is not only the first part of the Medicare Alphabet, but also the base of Medicare. It primarily covers hospitals. Part A also covers skilled nursing, commonly referred to as nursing homes. Depending on your circumstances, it can also cover hospice and home care.

Medicare Alphabet – Part B

Medicare Part B is the other half of what you would consider traditional insurance. It covers your medical visits outside of hospitals and skilled nursing. Part B’s coverage includes your preventative screenings, which are often covered at full cost. Additionally, it can cover things like durable medical equipment and some prescriptions.

Medicare Alphabet – Part C

The Medicare alphabet starts to get most confusing with Part C. This is most often known as Medicare Advantage plans. Unlike traditional Medicare, which is provided through the government, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by traditional insurance providers.

What it covers

Medicare Part C is basically a combination of Medicare Parts A and B. It works like traditional insurance, covering your preventative care, hospital stays, equipment, some medications, and nursing homes. Medicare Advantage plans can also cover additional services, like hearing, vision, dental, and additional prescription coverage that Parts A and B do not cover.

How Medicare Advantage Plans are Different

A Medicare Advantage plan gives you the chance to choose the insurance option that is right for you. The insurance companies that offer these plans are all approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This offers reassurance that the company you choose is reputable and they must follow specific rules and regulations. While Medicare Advantage plans can offer more coverage, they can also cost more. It’s important to make sure you understand what your costs may be when you choose the option that’s best for you.

Medicare Alphabet – Part D

Medicare Part D is the part of the Medicare Alphabet that covers prescriptions. Part B covers some prescriptions, but Part D is necessary if you want a wider variety of medications to be covered. Part D, like Medicare Part C, is offered by traditional insurance companies. You can choose to enroll in Part D either in addition to a Medicare Advantage plan, or Medicare Parts A and B.

Medicare Costs

One of the biggest factors in choosing the right Medicare plan for you is probably the cost. The price you pay for healthcare can vary a lot depending on several factors, including which Medicare option you choose. Like traditional insurance, beyond the premiums you pay, each Medicare option includes copays until your deductible is met.

Medicare Part A Cost

This is often the most affordable type of insurance. When you pay income tax throughout your life, part of your taxes go towards Medicare. As long as you paid Medicare taxes for a set number of years, you won’t have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A. If you don’t meet the tax requirements, you will have to pay a premium for Part A.

Medicare Part B Cost

Once you get to Medicare Part B, the cost of Medicare begins to go up. Unlike the possibility of Part A being premium-free, Part B does involve a premium. In 2025, the average Medicare Part B premium is $185 per month. However, depending on your income, you may have higher premiums.

Medicare Advantage Plan Cost

Medicare Advantage Plans can be the most expensive Medicare option. But they also often cover more services, like dental, vision, and hearing. In 2025, the average premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is $17. However, you must also pay the Medicare Part B premium. The out-of-pocket maximum, the amount you pay after your deductible before it covers 100%, can also be higher. It’s also important to understand the copays associated with your Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Part D

This is optional prescription coverage in addition to either Medicare Parts A and B or a Medicare Advantage Plan. In 2025, the average cost of a Part D plan is $46.50 per month with a deductible of nearly $600.

Medicaid

Depending on your monthly income, especially if you’re on a fixed income, Medicare can be expensive. If you meet income eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Known as dual eligibility, seniors can be enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare to make their healthcare more affordable. Medicaid can cover the cost of your Medicare Part A and B premiums, as well as cover prescriptions and services that Medicare may not cover.

Medicare Eligibility

To be eligible for Medicare, you must be 65 years old or have a qualifying disability. If you receive social security for at least four months before your 65th birthday, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. If not, you must enroll in the Medicare plan you want between three months before you turn 65 and three months after. Every year, you must participate in Medicare open enrollment between October 15 and December 7.

Resources to Understand the Medicare Alphabet

Even understanding the basics of the Medicare Alphabet, it’s easy to feel confused and overwhelmed. There are many resources available to help you understand the Medicare options and choose the one that is right for you. In Ohio, there are insurance companies dedicated to helping you find your best Medicare option. They can typically review your current insurance coverage and needs, give you options to compare from various insurance carriers, and have a no cost obligation. Simply search for “licensed Medicare advisors near me,” on the internet.

The Ohio Masonic Communities offers three senior living communities across the state of Ohio – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio. If you are interested in learning more about one of our communities, give us a call at 1 (877) 881-1623 or contact us here.